Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.7 million in 97 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $225,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$2.7 million
- Number of grants97
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$225,000
- Assets$14.9 million
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was down from $3.3 million the year before.
20% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.4 million | 128 | $18.4 million |
| 2024 | $3.3 million | 113 | $16.7 million |
| 2025 | $2.7 million | 97 | $14.9 million |
How to apply
Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 97 | $2.7 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $225,000 |
| West Coast Sports Medicine Foundation | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $205,000 |
| Lookingglass Theatre Company | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $115,000 |
| Collaboraction Theatre | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $105,000 |
| Dovetail Project | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $100,000 |
| Echoes of Hope | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $100,000 |
| Friends of Elnet | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $100,000 |
| Iola's Lyceum | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $100,000 |
| Imagine Englewood If | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $75,382 |
| Timeline Theatre | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $60,000 |
| Communityhealth | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $50,000 |
| Connections for the Homeless | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $50,000 |
| Girls 4 Science | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $50,000 |
| Heritage Retreats | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $50,000 |
| Ignite | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $50,000 |
| Jewish United Fund | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $50,000 |
| King's Care Foundation | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $50,000 |
| Northwestern University | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $50,000 |
| People's Music School | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $50,000 |
| Window to the World Communications | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $50,000 |
| City of Hope | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $35,000 |
| Chicago Torture Justice Memorials Foundation | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $30,000 |
| Greater Englewood Chamber Foundation | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $30,000 |
| Uptown People's Law Center | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $30,000 |
| Illinois Prison Project | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $28,500 |
| Ladies of Virtue | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $27,500 |
| Better Government Association | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Boulevard | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Canine Lymphoma Education Awareness & Research | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Challah & Soul | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Chicago Hopes for Kids | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Chicago Public Media | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Chicago Torture Justice Center | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Covenant House | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Folded Map Project NFP | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Historical Preservation Society Black Panther Party Illinois | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Injustice Watch | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Invisible Institute | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| Lurie Cancer Center Melissa Simon Discretionary | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
| National Public Housing Museum | General unrestricted, exempt purpose of organization | $25,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Janice Feinberg
- Joseph Feinberg
- Rhonda Feinberg
Questions people ask
Does Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation give?
$2.7 million in tax year 2025, across 97 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Janice Feinberg (President, Asst Sec, Treas), Joseph Feinberg (Vice President & Secretary) and Rhonda Feinberg (Director).
What does Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, arts and culture and education.